Minto set for Szpilka

Former WBO world title challenger Brian “The Beast” Minto (37-5, 24 KOs) has completed training camp in the U.S. and is fully prepared for his heavyweight clash next week versus undefeated Artur Szpilka (14-0, 11 KOs) in Poland. The fight will be 10 rounds for the WBC Baltic heavyweight title and will be held at Hala Luczniczka in Bydgoszcz, Poland on Saturday June 15.

Minto states, “I believe my greater experience will be an advantage against Szpilka. I have been in this position many times before, and I recognize the importance of this opportunity in moving forward to earning another world title shot.” Minto has boxed a total of 187 rounds as pro, whereas Szpilka has 43 rounds of experience. Minto has also faced the better opposition. In fact, his last 25 opponents, including champions and many world title challengers, have a combined record of 586-139 with an average mark of 25-5 apiece.

In addition, Minto is a perfect 7-0 in regional titles since dropping a close 12 round decision to Luan Krasniqi for the WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight title in 2007. “With a WBC Baltic title victory, I will be ranked and eligible to fight for the WBC world title. Or, I can defend my strap against several heavies with ties to the region such as Tomasz Adamek (48-2), Albert Sosnowski (47-6), Przemyslaw Saleta (44-7) or Alexander Petkovic (47-4),” Minto added.

Szpilka, a 6’4 southpaw from Wieliczka, Poland, has also faced a few notable heavyweights. To his credit, he defeated former IBF, WBO, WBC and WBA world title challenger Jameel McCline by a 10 round decision a year ago. In his last two fights, the 24 year old Szpilka stopped Mike Mollo (20-4) and Taras Bidenko (28-6) inside the distance. Minto-Szpilka is being promoted by Ulrich Knockout Promotions.